Glass Anemone Shrimp

Periclimenes brevicarpalis, commonly known as the glass anemone shrimp or peacock-tail anemone shrimp, is a fascinating species belonging to the Palaemonidae family. Recognized for its unique appearance, this shrimp sports black-ringed orange spots on its tail and typically makes its home inside large sea anemones. This relationship offers the shrimp a safe haven, as the anemone's stinging tentacles fend off predators. The shrimp is usually found in shallow coastal waters, at depths ranging from 1 to 5 meters (approximately 3 to 16 feet), and is sometimes referred to as the clown anemone shrimp.

Reaching up to about 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) in size, these shrimps exhibit considerable transparency, especially the males, whose long pincers are highlighted with distinctive purple bars. Females typically grow larger and are more vividly colored, adorned with prominent white spots across their dorsal side, abdomen, and the base of the tail. Males might display a nearly transparent body with noticeable eyespots on the tail. Some shrimps in this species may have a white tail and a white bar between the eyes, a trait shared with the females. Both males and females show tail patterns characterized by five black-ringed orange eyespots.

These shrimps are more noticeable during low tides at night when they are actively moving about. During the day, they often hide beneath the anemones. Periclimenes brevicarpalis is found across the tropical waters of the Pacific and 🌊 Indian Oceans, including nearby regions of 🇦🇺 Australia.